With China's entry to the WTO and the gradual opening of China's media markets, the opportunities for foreign companies to invest or collaborate in Chinese media are greater than ever before. There are already opportunities opening up in sectors as diverse as the telecoms industries, cinema, music and video distribution, television production and online media and a number of foreign media companies, venture capital companies and others have already made inroads into Chinese media markets. However, in China there are always new obstacles and challenges to be faced and understanding China's media landscape requires awareness of:

• Government regulations and bureaucratic procedures

• The nature of social and institutional structures and hierarchies

• Informal networks and forms of business relations

• Historical precedents cultural contexts

To make the most of these new opportunities companies of all sizes therefore need:

• Up-to-date news and information about Chinese media industries and markets

• Incisive analysis of changes and developments in the media sector

• Familiarity with how Chinese media industries and markets work

• Cultural understandings of both specific media contexts and Chinese society more generally

• Good contacts in China's media industries It is our aim at Eight & Eight to help companies understand these markets and opportunities better with a minimal effort on their part.

We cover all aspects of Chinese media including telecoms, television, Internet, film, newspapers, magazines and other print media. Eight & Eight draws upon a wide network of experts and works closely with Chinese media professionals, government officials and analysts both in China and throughout the world. This includes senior managers, media administrators, journalists, editors, film-makers, and scholars.

Services we offer in relation to Chinese media markets include:

• Individually commissioned consultancy and research on client-specified projects

• Analysis and information services providing up-to-date news and advice on China's media industries including our online business newsletter, China Media Intelligence

• Market reports on specific sectors and issues in Chinese media

• Seminars, lectures and conferences

• Advice on how to enter Chinese media markets

• Finding and selecting appropriate Chinese partners

• Staff training and preparation for dealing with Chinese media markets as well as doing business in Chinese contexts more generally

• Tailored market and industry research on client-defined issues